Some of the crucial lanes in Taramani, which is home to a number of educational institutions, have long been vulnerable to disintegration at the slightest instance of rainfall. The pothole-ridden 1 Cross Street connecting Pallipattu main road and Rajiv Gandhi Salai is a perfect example as yesterday’s rains have once again rendered it a danger zone for vehicles.
“Several Metrowater tankers ply the road during the day and I’m worried about the safety of the children. A couple of years ago, a tanker knocked down the side entrance door and ever since, then we have shut off that entrance,” said a teacher of Lady Nye Special Higher Secondary School, located on the road.
The 2nd Main Road in Taramani where the Asian College of Journalism stands is in an equally pitiable state. Hop over to the 4 Cross Street – home to the Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology, Dr. Dharmambal Polytechnic College for Women and the Institute of Mathematical Sciences – and the scene is no different.
“Getting to college was akin to an adventure during the monsoons. I began to avoid the stretch after some of my friends who were unable to spot the potholes, slipped and fell,” said a former student of an institution in the area.
The Public Works Department (PWD) and the Chennai Corporation have thrust the responsibility of the issue on each other. Officials at the PWD say that they have laid roads in and around the Central Polytechnic and their work ends there. “As far as the 1 Cross Street is concerned, we have forwarded a letter to the Chennai Corporation stating that they must take charge of it. But no action has been taken. Other roads do not fall under our purview,” said a PWD official. Corporation officials however said, “Those roads fall under the PWD. But since they have been brought to our notice, we shall see to it that some action is taken at the earliest.”
Recently, Mayor Saidai Duraisamy inspected some of the locations.
Keywords: Taramani, 1 Cross Street, Rajiv Gandhi Salai
